Dricus Du Plessis has earned himself the opportunity to challenge middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
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Dricus Du Plessis has earned himself the opportunity to challenge middleweight champion Israel Adesanya following a remarkable second-round finish against former titleholder Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. In a display that left spectators in awe, the South African fighter landed a devastating straight punch that rocked “The Reaper” and caused him to stumble backward towards the cage.
Seizing the moment, Du Plessis unleashed a barrage of powerful strikes to Whittaker’s head and body, ultimately causing him to collapse onto the canvas. Referee Marc Goddard wasted no time and swiftly intervened, calling an end to the contest.
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The decisive moment arrived precisely at the 2:23 mark of the second round.
“To be honest, as I dropped him. I wanted to just rush but we all know I have a problem with that so I was like just stay calm, just stay calm,” Du Plessis said. “I saw the beginning of the end. Robert, he’s a gentlemen, a humble man and a legend in this sport.”
Just as Du Plessis began to revel in his victory, his celebration was abruptly halted as Adesanya stepped into the cage, locking eyes with him in a tense and electrifying faceoff. The middleweights stood nose-to-nose, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation.
“I don’t need a DNA test to know where I’m from,” Adesanya shouted at Du Plessis. “I will show you where you’re from. It’s a easy fight. It’s easy money. I said I was going to have this moment.”
Although nothing has been confirmed, the prospect of Adesanya and Du Plessis finally resolving their rivalry at UFC 293 in September seems highly probable. The event is set to unfold in Sydney, Australia, adding an extra layer of anticipation. Du Plessis unquestionably earned this opportunity by becoming just the second fighter, apart from Adesanya himself, to achieve a stoppage victory over Whittaker in the middleweight division.
Right from the opening moments of the fight, Du Plessis demonstrated unwavering courage as he fearlessly engaged in close-quarters combat with Whittaker. However, it was a well-timed takedown towards the end of the round that completely shifted the momentum in Du Plessis’ favor, enabling him to inflict significant damage. A precise and slicing elbow strike landed, causing a cut to form on Whittaker’s head, forcing him to retreat to his corner to address the blood streaming down his face.
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